Threats Against US Judges Surge: A Judge's Personal Tragedy Highlights Urgent Need for Action

Threats Against Federal Judges Soar Amidst Heightened Political Tensions The safety of federal judges in the United States is under increasing threat, according to a recent report from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism and testimony before Congress. The report reveals an alarming 327% increase in violent threats and calls for impeachment against judges between May 2024 and March 2025. This surge in threats coincides with President Donald Trump's return to the White House and his administration's openly critical stance towards certain judges. The Judicial Conference, the policymaking body for federal judges, recently requested a nearly 20% budget increase to bolster security measures. The gravity of these threats is underscored by the tragic personal experience of Judge Esther Salas of the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. In 2020, her husband was shot and her son, Daniel, was tragically killed. "This isn't a prank," Judge Salas stated in a recent interview, referring to the recent spate of anonymous pizza deliveries sent to judges, some using her deceased son's name. "This is a concerted effort by bad actors to intimidate judges." She emphasized the need for greater coordination between state and federal governments to protect sensitive information from being used to target judges and their families. While the White House maintains the President has a right to express disagreement with judicial rulings, Judge Salas's testimony highlights the dangerous consequences of inflammatory rhetoric. The situation underscores the urgent need for a more civil and respectful discourse in American politics, to ensure the safety and security of those who serve the judicial system.